Masterworks of George Enescu

A Detailed Analysis

Pascal Bentoiu - Translated by Lory Wallfisch

Often considered Romania's greatest musical force and a significant mind of the 20th century, composer George Enescu (1881-1955) achieved international fame and succeeded in incorporating Romanian spirituality into worldwide culture. Masterworks of George Enescu provides a profound and very detailed analysis of more than 25 of this important composer's most representative works. Translated from musicologist Pascal Bentoiu's Romanian publication, Lory Wallfisch presents this vital work for the first time to English-speaking audiences, providing the worldwide public with the tools to understand and enjoy Enescu's music.Bentoiu presents a kind of travel diary through Enescu's creative legacy, offering a comprehensive, well-documented, knowledgeable, and generously illustrated analytical study of the composer's greatest masterpieces. Works such as the Romanian Rhapsodies, the Second Suite for Orchestra, Vox Maris, Impressions d'Enfance, his opera Oedipe, and several sonatas and quartets are carefully examined and admired for their substance and their ability to add dignity to the musical world. The works are presented chronologically, considering their conceptual realization as well as their inception and completion. Illustrated with more than 400 musical examples, this impressive study is a perfect guide toward the thorough enjoyment of Enescu's masterpieces.« lessmore »

Pascal Bentoiu is a highly respected composer, an erudite scholar, and an acknowledged authority on the creative output of George Enescu. He authored the George Enescu article in the German encyclopedia Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart.Lory Wallfisch, retired, was the "Iva Dee Hiatt" chair professor of music at Smith College. Wallfisch is a founding member and President of the George Enescu Society of the United States.

Everything I know about music I owe to my great master, George Enescu.— Yehudi Menuhin, renowned violinist and conductor

A review can give only an approximate indication of the value of a book of such scope and detail. You don’t need to be familiar with Enescu’s music to enjoy it: I found it equally rewarding on works I know well and others that I have yet to get to grips with. Masterworks of George Enescu thrilled and delighted and informed me in equal measure, as few books have. — Tempo

This book is published in part by a grant from the Romanian Cultural Institute.

Masterworks of George Enescu

A Detailed Analysis

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Summary

Summary

Often considered Romania's greatest musical force and a significant mind of the 20th century, composer George Enescu (1881-1955) achieved international fame and succeeded in incorporating Romanian spirituality into worldwide culture. Masterworks of George Enescu provides a profound and very detailed analysis of more than 25 of this important composer's most representative works. Translated from musicologist Pascal Bentoiu's Romanian publication, Lory Wallfisch presents this vital work for the first time to English-speaking audiences, providing the worldwide public with the tools to understand and enjoy Enescu's music.Bentoiu presents a kind of travel diary through Enescu's creative legacy, offering a comprehensive, well-documented, knowledgeable, and generously illustrated analytical study of the composer's greatest masterpieces. Works such as the Romanian Rhapsodies, the Second Suite for Orchestra, Vox Maris, Impressions d'Enfance, his opera Oedipe, and several sonatas and quartets are carefully examined and admired for their substance and their ability to add dignity to the musical world. The works are presented chronologically, considering their conceptual realization as well as their inception and completion. Illustrated with more than 400 musical examples, this impressive study is a perfect guide toward the thorough enjoyment of Enescu's masterpieces.

Pascal Bentoiu is a highly respected composer, an erudite scholar, and an acknowledged authority on the creative output of George Enescu. He authored the George Enescu article in the German encyclopedia Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart.Lory Wallfisch, retired, was the "Iva Dee Hiatt" chair professor of music at Smith College. Wallfisch is a founding member and President of the George Enescu Society of the United States.

Reviews

Reviews

Everything I know about music I owe to my great master, George Enescu.— Yehudi Menuhin, renowned violinist and conductor

A review can give only an approximate indication of the value of a book of such scope and detail. You don’t need to be familiar with Enescu’s music to enjoy it: I found it equally rewarding on works I know well and others that I have yet to get to grips with. Masterworks of George Enescu thrilled and delighted and informed me in equal measure, as few books have. — Tempo

Features

Features

This book is published in part by a grant from the Romanian Cultural Institute.